Industry Trends
September 2024
See what has been happening in Asia’s pharma and personal care industries over the last weeks. What are experts and industry magazines talking about?
What has been happening?
Rutin emerges as a sustainable alternative in sunscreen formulations, Infusing sustainability and transparency into skin care, Formulating menopausal skin care, and more. See what industry experts have been discussing in the last four weeks.
Latest Industry Articles
Rutin emerges as a sustainable alternative in sunscreen formulations
A recent scientific review underscores rutin’s potential as a sustainable and effective ingredient for sunscreens, highlighting its UV absorption capabilities, stability, skin permeability, and minimal environmental impact, while also addressing formulation challenges and the need for further research to optimize its use in commercial products.
Big Kelp Hydration: Infusing sustainability and transparency into skin care
In this CosmeticsDesign Q&A, we spoke to Matthew Perkins, Founder and CEO of Macro Oceans to learn more about Big Kelp Hydration: a sustainable beauty ingredient made from Alaska kelp, designed to provide effective skin care solutions while ensuring traceability and transparency in its production process.
"We didn’t want to play on these women’s emotions" formulating menopausal skin care
As more brands launch products designed for menopausal skin, we spoke to one spa skin care brand about its new adaptogen-based gel mask launch in this sector…
Japanese brand Eternam taps regenerative medicine to develop lip and skin care from umbilical cord-derived stem cell
Japanese brand Eternam recently debuted lip and skin care products made using umbilical cord-derived stem cells via regenerative medicine technology, as such materials increasingly gain interest in the cosmetics sector.
Beiersdorf and Macro Biologics partner to develop antimicrobial peptides
Beiersdorf and Macro Biologics have entered into a multi-year partnership to collaborate on the development of antimicrobial peptides with broad application possibilities in skin care and health care. Beiersdorf is also investing in Macro Biologics via its venture capital arm, Oscar & Paul. The collaboration will focus on the use of Macro Biologics’ antimicrobial Amicidins in Beiersdorf’s innovative product and formula development.
Study: Biodiverse Peruvian oil topical improves long-term skin hydration by 143.6%
ASC Cream, formulated with Peruvian oils and sangre de grado resin extract, may provide “substantial increases in skin hydration without compromising the skin’s natural pH,” and synergy between ingredients, which “strongly supports its potential use in daily skin care regimens”, says a new study.
Tailored solutions: Aesthetic physician highlights potential of personalised skin care for effective patient care
An aesthetic physician hopes to see the potential of personalised skin care realised in the medical aesthetic space, advocating for tailored solutions to enhance patient outcomes.
Early bird: Gyudon giant Yoshinoya makes beauty entry to tap into cosmetic potential of ostrich oil
Japanese Fast-food company Yoshinoya Holdings is venturing into the beauty sector with the launch of Speedia, a skin care line featuring ostrich oil.
Hypertension Prevalence 22.7 Percent Among Young Adults
The prevalence of hypertension is 22.7 percent among young adults aged 18 to 39 years and 5.4 percent among youth aged 8 to 19 years, according to two studies presented at the American Heart Association Hypertension 2024…
Probiotic skin care market forecast: $981.3m globally by 2034 amid rising consumer demand
The Allied Market Research report forecasts that the probiotic skincare market will expand significantly with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0% propelled by growing consumer interest in natural products, advancements in probiotic technology, and increasing demand for personalized skin care solutions.
Skin Care Product Use by Children Tied to Phthalates/Replacement Metabolites
In young children, skin care product (SCP) use is associated with urinary phthalate/replacement metabolites, according to a study published online Sept. 4 in Environmental Health Perspectives. Michael S. Bloom, Ph.D., from…
Beauty from within: What trends will inform the next wave of innovation?
Once strictly tied to anti-aging, the beauty-from-within category is now more open-minded and enjoying ‘well-aging”all with some help from science, TikTok and collagen for good measure.
Japan’s matsukiyo launches pollution-protective body milk amid increasing demand
Japanese drugstore brand matsukiyo is set to launch a new body milk that claims to protect against external stressors and works during sleep to bring moisturising effects, amid growing demand for this product type in the local market.
68% increase in male skin care usage: What’s driving the surge?
Key factors driving the noteworthy growth in the men’s skin care segment of the beauty and personal care market include “a cultural shift towards inclusive grooming” and “an evolving concept of masculinity that embraces self-care,” according to Mintel Senior Analyst Carson Kitzmiller.
Beiersdorf launches into epigenetic skin care space with Eucerin Epigenetic Serum
Beiersdorf has made its debut in the epigentic skin science space with the launch of Epigenetic Serum under its Eucerin banner. The German manufacturer of Nivea said that this launch ‘paves the way for a revolution in skin rejuvenation’. Active ingredient Epicelline promises to reactivate youth genes to reverse signs of aging.
Natura revolutionizes refills with world’s first body lotion concentrate
Natura has launched a new body care line, which it is billing as the world’s first body lotion concentrate, condensing its popular Ekos Castanha range into a 30ml bottle, which is then designed to be mixed with water at home to minimise plastic use. The concentrated bottle uses 81 percent less plastic than conventional refills, Natura says, translating to 55 percent less waste and lowering carbon emissions by 20 percent.
Phenol, Paraben Exposure Linked to Hypertension During Pregnancy
Phenol and paraben exposure may be associated with hypertension during pregnancy, according to a study published online Aug. 14 in Environmental Health Perspectives.Julia R. Varshavsky, M.P.H., Ph.D., from the…
Kenvue launches ‘pre-aging’ line, Collagen Bank, aimed at Gen Z
Kenvue has set its sights on hooking Gen Z, launching a ‘pre-aging’ range under its Neutrogena banner. Collagen Bank, as the skin care line has been dubbed, is designed to help Gen Z proactively prevent their skin from aging. The new collection comprises two formulations designed for daily use; Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer and Neutrogena Collagen Bank Broad Spectrum SPF30 Moisturizer.
Brain-body connection: This Works seeks to fill gap in functional mood-boosting body care
British skin care brand This Works has released new products formulated with ingredients that claim to lift mood and improve sleep to fill what it says is a gap in functional body care.
Science meets beauty: An in-depth look at Safflower Oleosomes in skin care formulations
In this CosmeticsDesign Q&A, we spoke to Ewelina Aiossa, Founder of Topical Skin, and Dr. Jared Jagdeo, a dermatologist as they discussed how Oleosome Technology enhances the delivery and effectiveness of active ingredients, offering valuable information for cosmetics and personal care manufacturers looking to stay competitive by integrating advanced, sustainable technologies into their formulations.
How skinification is morphing the future of lip care
Lip cosmetics products are now expected to ‘do it all’offering a plethora of color ranges while hydrating, smoothing, and conditioning,’ according to Dieandra Hermosillo of Buxom Cosmetics, reflecting the growing demand for multifunctional products that integrate skin care benefits.
Reinforcing the antibiotic pipeline
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the biggest global health threats facing humanity. As bacteria evolve and become resistant to existing antibiotics, the challenge of AMR is growing. Some estimates suggest that without reversing this trend, AMR could lead to 10 million deaths each year by 2050, a significant disruption to common surgical and medical interventions and a further 24 million people driven into extreme poverty.
Psilocybin Has Better Response Than Placebo in Antidepressant Trials
Patients treated with high-dose psilocybin have better responses than those treated with placebo in antidepressant trials, according to a study published online Aug. 21 in The BMJ.
Use of Nose Drops Reduces Length of Young Children’s Colds
Hypertonic saline (HS) nose drops reduce the duration of symptoms associated with viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in children, according to a study presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress, held from Sept. 7 to 11 in Vienna.
Powder conditioner: The Powder Shampoo developing waterless conditioner on the back of consumer demand
Singapore brand The Powder Shampoo says a waterless conditioner is currently in development to meet growing consumer demand for more plastic-free, water-saving products.
Curel Expands into Chinese Children’s Skincare Market
Kao-owned Curel has entered the Chinese market with a new line of children’s skincare products. This launch includes a moisturizing cream for children aged 3-12, along with two other products—a softening lotion and bath and shower bubbles—suitable for newborns and older children. The entire line features Curel’s signature ingredient, ceramide, which is renowned for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier.
Skin spotlight: The most-read stories on skin care innovation and developments in APAC
We round up five recent stories on the APAC skin care market, featuring skin care brands Garnier, Dr Dennis Gross, Hindustan Unilever, Missha and more.
Shopee Korea aims for 300% growth in Thailand on the back of K-beauty boom
E-commerce retailer Shopee Korea is aiming for 300% growth in Thailand next year as K-beauty brands such as COSRX, Fwee, Torriden, and VT Cosmetics surge in demand.
SK-II hopes to pique interest among Chinese shoppers with launch of LXP Craftsmanship Series
SK-II has announced the launch of a new range inspired by the Japanese art of ceramic restoration, Kintsugi. The LXP Craftsmanship series is described as the P&G-owned brand’s ‘most crafted, exclusive and luxurious skin care series to date’.
L’Oreal China to usher in third price increase this year?
L’Oreal China is said to be increasing its prices for the third time this year in September. The French beauty giant upped prices across multiple brands, including Lancome, Armani, Shu Uemura and Kiehl’s in both February and July. According to a report published by Sohu, L’Oreal’s North Asian division was the only region to register declining sales in the first half of the current financial year, with revenue dropping 3.1 percent to €5.47 billion.
AmorePacific takes Hera to Thailand
AmorePacific’s Hera has opened its first bricks and mortar location in Thailand. The luxury beauty brand has cut the ribbon on its first concession in department store, Central Chidlom in Bangkok. Hera launched in Thailand last month via online platform Lazada and is planning to debut on Shopee and Tiktok Shop later this year. The brand is said to be planning further bricks and mortar locations in the Southeast Asian country.
Major store expansion: G&M Cosmetics reports Vietnam offline sales growth surpassing online
Offline sales in Vietnam are growing faster than online sales for G&M Cosmetics, prompting it to make a major expansion into 500 stores.
Intensifying competition: Shiseido pressured in China by increasing price consciousness among consumers
Japanese cosmetics major Shiseido Company is facing mounting pressure in China as price sensitivity among locals intensifies price competition.
Philippines posts 2 more mpox cases; total at 14
The Philippines on Wednesday posted two more monkeypox cases, bringing the total this year to 14, as a new strain that has spread out of the Democratic Republic of Congo complicates the global response. In a statement, the Department of Health (DoH) said the two new mpox patients were infected with a mild Clade II variant and not the newer and potentially more deadly variant that has sparked a global concern.
European Traveler Suspected of Bringing New Mpox Strain to Thailand
A case of the severe strain of mpox, which is currently spreading rapidly in Africa, has been found as the first case in Thailand. The patient is a foreigner who traveled from Africa. Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, Director General of the Department of Disease Control, held a press conference regarding this case of monkeypox (Clade I) at the Department of Disease Control on August 21.
In war against sugar, MoH to introduce food and drink grading system to curb NCDs
The Ministry of Health (MoH) will soon roll out a grading system for food and drinks in a bid to curb non-communicable diseases (NCDs) caused by excessive sugar consumption among Malaysians, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. The Borneo Post reported that the initiative is part of the government’s broader “war on sugar” campaign.
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